In a Reddit post by user J4ckiebrown, the discussion heated up around the Penn State vs. Ohio State football game, with passionate fans lamenting the decision to air this thrilling matchup at noon instead of prime time. Many users expressed frustration, arguing that such a big game deserved the limelight of an evening broadcast rather than being buried in the early Saturday schedule. The general sentiment was one of disappointment, as fans questioned the judgment of the networks in choosing schedules that impact not just viewership, but also the recruitment of student-athletes.
Summary
- Fans overwhelmingly felt that the PSU-OSU game was undervalued by networks.
- There were concerns that noon games affect recruitment negatively.
- Some users argued that any matchup involving these teams can be a marquee event.
- The conversation highlighted frustrations with current college football broadcasting decisions.
The Undervalued Showdown
One of the most interesting insights from the conversation was the prevailing sentiment that networks are increasingly undervaluing marquee matchups like the Penn State vs. Ohio State game. A user named EWall100 pointed out, “Fox had selections one, two, five, six, and seven in the annual network draft between itself, CBS, and NBC. This game was on the board for us at No. 5.” It seems the metrics driving these selections overlooked the sheer excitement and stakes involved in this matchup. With the substantial history and rivalry of PSU and OSU, many fans found the noon time slot appalling. The sentiment echoed the feeling that networks are missing the opportunity to showcase thrilling matchups during prime time when viewership is highest.
Impact on Recruitment
Another topic that heated up the thread was the impact of game scheduling on college recruitment. nlamp32 expressed a concern that a noon kickoff makes it harder for high school recruits to attend the game: “As we know, State College is a tough place to get to. So couple that with a noon game at a time when many recruits are playing Friday night/Saturday midday games, and it makes it significantly harder to get our biggest targets to our biggest game.” This comment resonated with many users, and laid bare how scheduling decisions can ripple through program success, especially in college football where recruiting is paramount. The logistics of traveling for recruits seemed to be lost on network executives who handle the scheduling.
Lost Opportunities
The lost opportunity also highlighted that there are very few teams in college football as exciting as Ohio State and Penn State. bk00pi noted, “There are a handful of teams who can play at any time of the day and it’ll be a ‘prime time game.’ This matchup has two of them.” This commentary speaks to the unique appeal these schools hold not just as participants, but as brands that attract eyeballs and generate excitement. Having these teams play in more accessible slots could enhance interest and even revenue for networks, making their scheduling choices seem even more perplexing.
The Frustration of Fans
Fans were vocal about their frustrations, and the overall tone of the comment section clearly showcased disappointment with the decision-makers. Gratata7 said, “The two biggest games of the week got completely screwed by the networks.” This frustration wasn’t just spewed in the air but shared widely among commenters. This indicates a collective belief among fans that they are missing out on viewing experience that should be unforgettable, especially when it comes to matchups that could influence the landscape of college football in significant ways. Such communal outrage shows the deep-rooted appreciation and attachment fans have towards their teams, making them more than just spectators; they are stakeholders in their respective sporting worlds.
As we dive into the dialogue sparked by the post about the scheduling of the Penn State vs. Ohio State game, it becomes clear that this isn’t just about simple preference; it’s about understanding the cultural significance of college football and the implications of media decisions on both the sport and its future. Fans are invested not just in outcomes but the entire experience and the visibility of their teams in what should be prime viewing hours. This conversation is representative of a broader issue that echoes throughout the sports community, where scheduling, media rights, and fan engagement are constantly at odds. The merger of these elements ultimately defines the success of not just games, but the very fabric of college football itself.